ACTOR Richard Briers, known to millions for his enduring role in TV sitcom The Good Life, has died at the age of 79.

The star, who was also known for his Shakespearean roles, had been battling a serious lung condition for a number of years.

Briers, who also starred in shows such as Ever Decreasing Circles and Monarch Of The Glen, recently said years of smoking had been to blame for his emphysema.

Briers died "peacefully" at his London home on Sunday, his agent said yesteterday.

Although long known for his comedy roles in film and TV, a new strand to his career unfolded when he joined Sir Kenneth Branagh's Renaissance Theatre Company in 1987, and went on to work on a number of classical roles.

Sir Kenneth paid tribute by saying: "He was a national treasure, a great actor and a wonderful man. He was greatly loved and he will be deeply missed."